A biography for Jean-Pierre Raffarinhasn’t been written yet.
“I am a believer, but I affirm that in public buildings the law of the Republic overrides religious rules.”
“France has a very important relationship with Germany. But that does not mean that we agree about everything or that two of our universities or companies are not going to compete.”
“We must stress that the euro has been beneficial to the European Union because, otherwise, in this context of international turmoil, every country would have to devalue their currencies.”
“Europe started out with six countries; three small countries and three large countries.”
“There have been major disagreements within the European Union.”
“I believe that transatlantic relations are very important and that President Bush's visit to Brussels, in a few days, will have a major impact on that.”
“I tell fundamentalists that there is no question of them attacking our Republic's foundations.”
“The Europe we are in the process of building is the Europe of the 21st century; it's not the Europe of the 20th century.”
“Obviously, there is diversity, but Europe is a union of diversity.”
“The United States, for a French citizen, is a friend, an ally, to whom we owe, along with most Europeans, our freedom.”
“We believe that the European Union is facing a truly historic choice.”
“A country like France now does two-thirds of its trade within the euro zone.”
“It's a different outlook, and one that I understand. When you are a former member of the Warsaw Pact, when you have lived behind the Berlin Wall, when you have experienced the communist systems that existed in these countries, for them, the West represents hope.”
“This constitution recognises the need for social dialogue involving labour and management; it involves trade unions in the decision-making process; it has a social vision founded on social dialogue.”
“Prohibiting a visible religious sign, which isn't a manifestation of militancy, would look like a fight against religions.”
“I was a Member of the European Parliament for a period of time and I saw a lot of European laws and treaties.”
“We feel an enormous sense of gratitude towards the American people.”
“Let them be reassured, it has never been one of our intentions to ban religion in society, but solely to protect the national education system from any conspicuous display of religious affiliation.”
“The Republic is open and tolerant but also knows how and when to be firm and make its values respected.”
“It's true that the question of Iraq divided Europe.”